Maine is doing a couple of things. First, he’s going after hitters early in the count and keeping the ball down. Consequently, he’s also keeping it in the park. He’s also not afraid to make the walk. Rather than give into a hitter with a fastball, Maine will still work him, and if he walks him, so be it. Better give up the walk than give in and allow the homer.

John Delcos enters his third season covering the Mets for The Journal News after eight seasons on the Yankees beat. Prior to coming to New York, John covered the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians.